Apparatus and methods to dispense fluid from a bank of containers and to refill same

ABSTRACT

An example valve described herein includes a bonnet having a bonnet cavity defining a bonnet inner surface, a bonnet outer surface, and a first pressure sensing passageway extending between the bonnet outer surface and the bonnet cavity. A base is coaxially coupled to the bonnet and has a base outer surface, a base cavity that defines a base inner surface, a fluid inlet passageway extending between the base outer surface and the base cavity, a fluid outlet passageway extending between the base outer surface and the base cavity, and a second pressure sensing passageway extending between the base outer surface and the base cavity. A valve element within the base and bonnet cavities controls a fluid flow path through the fluid inlet passageway and the fluid outlet passageway.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent arises from a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/384,613, filed Mar. 20, 2006, entitled “Apparatus and Methods toDispense Fluid From a Bank of Containers and to Refill Same,” which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to fluid delivery devices and,more particularly, to apparatus and methods to dispense fluid from abank of containers and to refill same.

BACKGROUND

Filling fluid containers such as, for example, containers to storeoxygen, natural gas, propane, carbon dioxide, etc. can be accomplishedin several ways. One known method involves storing large quantities of afluid in, for example, a storage tanker and transporting smaller, mobilefluid containers to the storage tanker to fill the containers. Anotherknown method involves storing a large quantity of fluid in a largemobile storage tanker (e.g., a storage tanker built on a trailer) anddriving the mobile storage tanker to customer locations to offer on-siterefilling services.

Users that frequently fill smaller, mobile containers often store largequantities of fluid locally. For example, a fire department may storeoxygen within the fire department facility to enable on-site refillingof mobile oxygen tanks for firefighters. Similarly, natural gas dealersmay store natural gas to refill smaller, customer fluid containers. Aknown method for on-site refilling involves storing fluid in a singlerelatively large fluid storage container and transferring fluid from thelarge storage container to a container to be filled (e.g., a relativelysmaller, mobile container). However, in some cases, sufficient space maynot be available to accommodate the relatively large single fluidcontainer that is needed to provide adequate refilling services.

To address space constraints, a plurality of smaller storage containersmay be used in combination with a fluid dispensing cascade system. Acascade system is typically implemented by connecting or fluidlycoupling a plurality of fluid storage containers to a regulator via aplurality of sequence valves. Such cascade systems may be used torefill, for example, relatively small fluid containers with fluid fromthe storage containers. As the pressure in one of the storage containersbecomes sufficiently depleted (e.g., during a refilling operation), asequence valve enables delivery of stored fluid from another one of thestorage containers having a relatively higher pressure. Known cascadesystems often involve complex implementations requiring large amounts offluid line to fluidly couple sequence valves and other components of thecascade system. As a result, assembling and disassembling known cascadesystems for installation and maintenance purposes is time consuming andexpensive.

SUMMARY

Example methods and apparatus disclosed herein may be used to dispensefluid from a bank of containers and to refill same. An example fluiddispensing system includes a manifold having a fluid outlet port todispense fluid and a fluid valve engaged to the manifold. First andsecond fluid storage containers are coupled to the manifold. The fluidvalve is configured to control a first fluid flow path between thesecond fluid storage container and the fluid outlet port.

In accordance with another example, a valve may include a bonnet and abase coaxially coupled to the bonnet. The bonnet may include a bonnetcavity defining a bonnet inner surface, a bonnet outer surface, and afirst pressure sensing passageway extending between the bonnet outersurface and the bonnet cavity. The base may include a base outer surfaceand a base cavity defining a base inner surface. The base may alsoinclude a fluid inlet passageway extending between the base outersurface and the base cavity, a fluid outlet passageway extending betweenthe base outer surface and the base cavity, and a second pressuresensing passageway extending between the base outer surface and the basecavity. A valve element within the base and bonnet cavities may beprovided to control a fluid flow path through the fluid inlet passagewayand the fluid outlet passageway.

In accordance with yet another example, a manifold may include a firstcavity to receive a first fluid valve. The manifold may also include afirst fluid inlet port to couple to a first fluid storage container anda second fluid inlet port to couple to a second fluid storage container.In addition, the manifold may include an outlet port that is configuredto dispense fluid received via the first fluid inlet port and the secondfluid inlet port.

In accordance with yet another example, a dual check valve deviceincludes a housing and a first check valve in the housing. The dualcheck valve may also include a second check valve located in the housingadjacent the first check valve and in substantial axial alignment withthe first check valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example cascade system thatmay be used to deliver fluid from a bank of fluid containers.

FIG. 2 depicts example fluid flow paths associated with the examplecascade system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts an example sequence valve that may be used to implementthe example systems and methods described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts another example cascade system that may be used todispense fluid from and recharge a bank of fluid storage containers.

FIG. 5A depicts a front view, FIG. 5B depicts a top view, and FIG. 5Cdepicts an end view of another example cascade system that may be usedto dispense fluid from and recharge a bank of fluid storage containersusing a manifold-integrated recharge circuit.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the example manifold and a plurality ofvalves used to implement the example cascade system of FIGS. 5A-5C.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the example manifold used to implementthe example manifold of FIGS. 5A-5C and 6.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the example manifold of FIGS. 5A-5C, 6,and 7 depicting a plurality of fluid passageways formed therein.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the example manifold of FIGS. 5A-5C and 6-8having a plurality of dual check valve cartridges.

FIG. 10A depicts an end view and FIGS. 10B-10E depict sectional views ofthe example manifold of FIGS. 5A-5C and 6-9.

FIG. 11 is a detailed illustration of one of the dual check valvecartridges of FIGS. 5B, 5C, 6, and 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example apparatus and methods disclosed herein may be used to dispensefluid from a bank of fluid containers and to refill the bank of fluidcontainers. Specifically, a bank of fluid containers may be connected toan example cascade system to dispense fluid from the containers in, forexample, filling station applications. For example, the example cascadeapparatus or systems described below may be used to supply breathableoxygen, hydrogen, natural gas, carbon dioxide, or any other fluid. In anexample implementation, to fill a container (e.g., a bottle, a tank, afluid-depleting container, etc.), the container is fluidly coupled orconnected to an example cascade system and a regulator is turned on toenable fluid delivery from a first fluid storage container (e.g., afluid storage container having the lowest pressure). As the pressure inthe container being filled approaches the pressure of the first storagecontainer, the example cascade system automatically enables fluid flowfrom another storage container (e.g., a next in sequence container)having a relatively higher pressure than the first storage container tocontinue delivering fluid to the container being filled after thepressure in the container being filled exceeds the pressure in the firststorage container. In this manner, the cascade system automaticallyenables (e.g., opens) fluid delivery flow paths corresponding tosubsequent relatively higher-pressure storage containers (e.g., in asequential manner) to enable a substantially continuous fluid supply tothe container being filled.

Unlike known cascade systems implemented using relatively large amountsof fluid line to couple a plurality of conventional sequence valves, theexample cascade systems described herein are implemented using manifoldsconfigured to receive and fluidly couple sequence valves, therebysubstantially reducing or eliminating the number of fluid lines neededto couple the sequence valves and other components of the cascadesystems. Reducing the amount of fluid line reduces assembly time duringinstallation and maintenance procedures. In addition, reducing therequired amount of fluid line needed reduces the number of componentsthat can wear, malfunction, or fail, which reduces the overallmaintenance time and costs associated with the example cascade systems.

An example cascade system manifold described herein includes a pluralityof sequence valve openings (e.g., threaded openings, ports, receptacles,etc.), each of which is configured to receive a sequence valve that is,in turn, fluidly coupled to a respective fluid storage container. Aplurality of fluid flow passageways or paths are formed in the manifoldto couple inlet and outlet ports of the sequence valves to enableoperation of the sequence valves and to deliver fluid from each storagecontainer as the sequence valves automatically and sequentially controlthe flow paths by disabling (e.g., closing) and enabling (e.g., opening)the flow paths. Unlike known sequence valves having stand-aloneconfigurations and requiring fluid lines to couple to other sequencevalves, the example sequence valves described below are implementedusing a cartridge-like body that plugs into, interfits with, orotherwise operatively engages a sequence valve opening of the manifold.

The example cascade systems described below also enable recharging(e.g., refilling, replenishing, etc.) the fluid in the bank of storagecontainers coupled thereto. To enable and control recharging of storagecontainers coupled to the example cascade systems described below, arecharge circuit is implemented to enable (e.g., open) a recharge flowpath from a recharge container or a recharge fluid supply to eachstorage container. In some example implementations, the storagecontainers may be recharged without interfering with or interrupting thefluid delivery operation of the sequence valves. In this manner, theexample cascade system may be used to deliver fluid from the bank ofstorage containers while simultaneously recharging the storagecontainers.

To further reduce the amount of fluid line required to implement theexample cascade systems described below, an example manifold may includea check valve opening to directly receive a check valve (i.e., aunidirectional flow valve, a one-way flow valve, a valve to limit fluidflow to one direction, etc.) without requiring any intermediate couplingfluid line between the check valve and the manifold. Unlike known checkvalves that require a fluid line to couple the check valve to anotherdevice (e.g., a sequence valve, a regulator, etc.), the example checkvalves described below have cartridge-like exteriors or cartridge-likebodies that plug into, interfit with, or otherwise operatively engagethe check valve openings of the example manifold. A plurality of fluidpassageways are formed in the example manifold to fluidly couple orconnect the check valves to other components (e.g., sequence valvesand/or other check valves) or portions of the manifold to enable thefluid delivery and recharge operations.

An example dual check valve cartridge described below includes two checkvalves in a single housing. Each check valve may operate independentlyso that each dual check valve cartridge may provide two functions. Inparticular, one of the check valves of the example dual check valvecartridge may be used to enable a fluid recharge flow to a storagecontainer while the other check valve enables fluid delivery flow fromthe storage container.

Now turning in detail to FIGS. 1 and 2, which illustrate cross-sectionalviews of an example cascade system 100 that may be used to deliver fluid(e.g., oxygen, natural gas, propane, hydrogen, etc.) from a bank offluid storage containers 102 a-c. The cascade system 100 includes amanifold 104 having a plurality of sequence stages 106 a, 106 b, and 106c. Each of the sequence stages 106 a, 106 b, and 106 c includes arespective sequence valve 108 a, 108 b, and 108 c coupled to themanifold 104. Each of the sequence valves 108 a, 108 b, and 108 c isfluidly coupled to a respective one of the fluid storage containers 102a, 102 b, and 102 c. A regulator 110 is coupled to a manifold outletport 112 to enable the filling of fluid containers (e.g.,fluid-depleting containers, refillable containers, bottles, pressurevessels, etc.) with the fluid provided by the storage containers 102a-c.

Each of the storage containers 102 a-c is coupled to the manifold 104via a respective one of a plurality of check valves 114 a, 114 b, and114 c. The check valves 114 a-c enable fluid flow in only one direction(e.g., fluid flow toward the manifold outlet port 112) and, thus,prevent fluid backflow into the storage containers 102 a-c from themanifold outlet port 112 or any other source. In the illustratedexample, the check valves 114 a-c are coupled to the manifold 104 viarespective check valve fluid lines 116 a-c. However, in other exampleimplementations (e.g., the example cascade system 500 described below inconnection with FIGS. 5A-5C and 6-9), manifolds (e.g., the manifold 504of FIGS. 5A-5C and 6-9) may be configured to receive check valvecartridges (e.g., the dual check valve cartridges 512 a-d of FIGS. 5B,5C, 6 and 9) directly coupled thereto to reduce the amount of requiredfluid line and to simplify assembly.

The example cascade system 100 enables the storage containers 102 a-c toprovide sufficient pressure to fill containers with the fluid stored inthe fluid containers 102 a-c. For example, to fill a container 118, thesequence valves 108 a-c activate delivery from each of the fluidcontainers 102 a-c in a sequential manner to ensure that the pressureoutput from the manifold 104 is sufficiently high relative to thepressure in the container 118 to enable filling of the container 118.During operation, after connecting the container 118 to the regulator110, fluid is delivered from the first storage container 102 a throughthe first stage check valve 114 a to the manifold outlet port 112 via afirst container fluid delivery path 120 (FIG. 2).

To detect the amount of pressure in the container 118, the container 118is connected to or fluidly coupled to a pressure sensing port 122. Thepressure sensing port 122 is coupled to a pressure sensing passageway124 formed in the manifold 104. The pressure sensing passageway 124connects to pressure sensing passageways 126 a-c of each sequence valve108 a-c to form a pressure sensing flow path 128 (FIG. 2). The fluidpressure in the container 118 is coupled via the pressure sensing flowpath 128 to enable each of the sequence valves 108 a-c to sense thepressure in the container 118 during the filling process.

When the pressure in the container 118 rises to a particular levelrelative to the pressure in the first storage container 102 a, the firstsequence valve 108 a automatically enables (e.g., opens) a secondcontainer fluid delivery path 130 (FIG. 2) between the second storagecontainer 102 b and the manifold outlet port 112. The second storagecontainer 102 b then begins delivering fluid to the container 118 viathe second container fluid delivery path 130. In particular, as shown inFIG. 2, the fluid from the second storage container 102 b flows throughthe second stage check valve 114 b, a first stage inlet port 132 a, thefirst sequence valve 108 a, and out of a first stage outlet port 134 ato the manifold outlet port 112. The first container fluid delivery flowpath 120 is substantially disabled (e.g., closed) when the second fluiddelivery flow path 130 is enabled, and the first sequence valve 108 aand the first check flow valve 114 a prevent the fluid from the secondstorage container 102 b from flowing into the first storage container102 a.

When the pressure in the container 118 increases to a particular levelrelative to the pressure in the second storage container 102 b, thesecond sequence valve 108 b automatically enables a third containerfluid delivery path 136 (FIG. 2) between the third storage container 102c and the manifold outlet port 112. The third storage container 102 cthen begins delivering fluid via the third container fluid delivery path136. As shown in FIG. 2, the third container fluid delivery path 136extends through the third stage check valve 114 c, a second stage inletport 132 b, the second sequence valve 108 b, a second stage outlet port134 b, the first stage inlet port 132 a, the first sequence valve 108 a,the first stage outlet port 134 a, and out to the manifold outlet port112.

In some example implementations, additional storage containers (e.g., afourth storage container) (not shown) may be connected to the manifold104. In this manner, the container 118 can be filled with a fluidpressure relatively higher than the fluid pressure of the third storagecontainer 102 c.

When fluid delivery is shut off via the regulator 110 and the container118 is disconnected from the example cascade system 100, the sequencevalves 108 a-c disable the second and third container fluid deliveryflow paths 136 and 130, thereby enabling the first container fluiddelivery flow path 120 for any subsequent container to be filled thatmay be connected to the example cascade system 100.

Although the above-described process involves sequentially activatingfluid delivery from three or four storage containers, if the desiredpressure in the container 118 does not exceed a level for which thefirst storage container 102 a cannot continue delivering fluid, then thecontainer 118 may be filled without activating fluid delivery pathsassociated with the second or third storage containers 102 b and 102 c.

FIG. 3 depicts an example sequence valve 300 that may be used toimplement the example sequence valves 108 a-c described above inconnection with the example cascade system 100 and example sequencevalves described below in connection with other example cascade systems.The operation of the example sequence valve 300 is substantially similaror identical to the operations of the sequence valves 108 a-c describedabove in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. In the illustrated example, thesequence valve 300 is depicted as being coupled to a first fluid storagecontainer 302 a and a second fluid storage container 302 b to enablefilling a container 304 with fluid stored in the first and/or secondstorage containers 302 a-b.

The example sequence valve 300 includes a base 306 having a base outersurface 308 and a base cavity 310 defining a base inner surface 312. Toenable fluid flow between the second storage container 302 b and thecontainer 304, the base 306 includes a valve inlet passageway 314 (e.g.,the inlet ports 132 a-b of FIG. 2) and a valve outlet passageway 316(e.g., the stage outlet ports 134 a-b of FIG. 2). The valve inletpassageway 314 extends between the base outer surface 308 and the baseinner surface 312 and provides a flow path (e.g., the second containerfluid delivery path 130 of FIG. 2) to enable fluid to flow from thesecond storage container 302 b to the base cavity 310. The valve outletpassageway 316 extends from the base cavity 310 to the base outersurface 308 and provides a flow path (e.g., the second container fluiddelivery path 130) for the fluid from the second container 302 b to flowfrom the base cavity 310 to the filling container 304.

To enable the sequence valve 300 to sense a fluid pressure in thecontainer 304, the base 306 includes a filling pressure sensingpassageway 318 (e.g., the pressure sensing passageways 126 a-c ofFIG. 1) extending between the base outer surface 308 and the base innersurface 312. The filling pressure sensing passageway 318 provides a path(e.g., the pressure sensing flow path 128 of FIG. 2) to enable fluidpressure to be coupled from the container 304 to the base cavity 310.

The example sequence valve 300 also includes a bonnet 320 having abonnet outer surface 322 and a bonnet cavity 324 defining a bonnet innersurface 326. To enable the example sequence valve 300 to sense apressure in the first storage container 302 a, the bonnet 320 includes astorage pressure sensing passageway 328 extending between the bonnetouter and inner surfaces 322 and 326. The storage pressure sensingpassageway 328 enables the example sequence valve 300 to be connected toor coupled to the first storage container 302 a and provides a fluidpath from the first storage container 302 a to a storage pressurechamber 329 of the bonnet cavity 324.

The base 306 is coupled to the bonnet 320 to form a pressure-tight sealand encapsulate a plurality of valve components. Specifically, the base306 and the bonnet 320 encapsulate a piston 330 that is coupled to aspring retainer 332 and slideably and sealingly engaged with the bonnetcavity 324. The piston 330 has a storage pressure sensing surface 334and a filling pressure sensing surface 336 opposing the storage pressuresensing surface 334. The pressure in the first storage container 302 aapplies a force to the storage pressure sensing surface 334 and thepressure in the container 304 applies a force to the filling pressuresensing surface 336.

To sense the pressure in the container 304, the example sequence valve300 includes a valve stem 338 having a valve stem passageway 340 formedtherethrough. The fluid pressure in the container 304 is coupled intothe filling pressure sensing passageway 318, through the stem passageway340, and through valve stem side ports 342 to fill a pressure chamber343 of the bonnet cavity 324. The fluid pressure is also coupled throughspring retainer side ports 344 to fill a spring retainer chamber 346causing the pressure in the container 304 to apply a force to thefilling pressure sensing surface 336 that opposes the force (e.g., thepressure of the first storage container 302 a) applied against thestorage pressure sensing surface 334. The example sequence valve 300enables (e.g., opens) and disables (e.g., closes) a flow path (e.g., thesecond container fluid flow path 128 of FIG. 2) from the second storagecontainer 302 b to the container 304 based on the difference between theopposing forces that are applied to the pressure sensing surfaces 334and 336.

To disable and enable the fluid pathway from the second storagecontainer 302 b, the valve stem 338 is provided with a plug portion 348.The valve stem 338 is shown in a closed position, in which the plugportion 348 is in abutment with or in engagement with a valve seat 350creating a seal therebetween to disable or close the fluid pathway fromthe second storage container 302 b. The valve seat 350 may be made ofplastic to ensure a pressure-tight seal between the valve seat 350 andthe plug portion 348. To enable or open the fluid pathway from thesecond storage container 302 b, the valve stem 338 is moved toward thebonnet 320 to an open position in which the plug 348 is disengaged fromthe valve seat 350 to allow fluid to flow between the valve seat 350 andthe plug 348. The fluid then flows through side ports 352 of a valvestem sleeve 354 and toward the valve outlet passageway 316.

The movement of the valve stem 338 and, thus, the plug 348 is controlledby the piston 330. That is, if the piston 330 moves toward the storagepressure sensing passageway 328, the valve stem 338 and plug 348 alsomove toward the storage pressure sensing passageway 328 to an openposition to enable the flow path from the second storage container 302b. If the piston 330 moves away from the storage pressure sensingpassageway 328, the valve stem 338 also moves away from the storagepressure sensing passageway 328 to a closed position bringing the plug348 into engagement with the valve seat 350 and disabling the flow pathfrom the second storage container 302 b.

The piston 330 moves based on or in response to the difference betweenthe opposing forces on the storage pressure sensing surface 334 and thefilling pressure sensing surface 336. To provide a pressure bias to thepiston 330 to cause the piston 330 to move to an open position when thepressure in the container 304 is less than the pressure in the firststorage container 302 a, the example sequence valve 300 is provided witha negative bias spring 356 captured between the spring retainer 332 anda spring seat 358. If the pressure bias of the spring 356 is 250 poundsper square inch (PSI), the piston 330 begins to move to an open valveposition (e.g., slide toward the storage pressure sensing passageway328) when the container 304 reaches a pressure that is 250 psi less thanthe pressure in the first storage container 302 a. In other words, whenthe sum of the pressure provided by the negative bias spring 356 and thepressure of the container 304 exceeds the pressure of the first storagecontainer 302 a, the piston 330 moves toward the storage pressuresensing passageway 328 to an open position to enable or open the flowpath between the second storage container 302 b and the container 304.The pressure bias of the spring 356 may be selected to be any suitablepressure bias such as, for example, 50 psi, 100 psi, 250 psi, 400 psi,etc.

To facilitate the engagement of the example sequence valve 300 to amanifold (e.g., the manifold 104 of FIGS. 1 and 2) and to simplify valvemaintenance of example cascade systems (e.g., the example cascade system100 of FIGS. 1 and 2), the base 306 forms a cartridge-like body. Thecartridge-like body of the example sequence valve 300 can be easilyplugged into a manifold without having to disconnect and/or connect aplurality of fluid lines to the valve passageways (or ports) 314, 316,and 318.

To prevent mixing of the fluids flowing through the storage pressuresensing passageway 328, the filling pressure sensing passageway 318, andthe sequence valve inlet passageway 314, the example sequence valve 300is provided with a plurality of o-rings and static seals. For instance,to prevent the fluid flowing through the storage pressure sensing port328 from leaking into the storage pressure chamber 329 of the bonnetcavity 324, the piston 330 is provided with an o-ring 360. To preventfluid from the second storage container 302 b from leaking into thebonnet cavity 324, the valve stem 338 is provided with an upper o-ring362, the stem sleeve 354 is provided with a static seal 364, and thespring seat 358 is provided with a static seal 366. To prevent the fluidflowing from the filling pressure sensing passageway 318 from leakinginto other portions of the base cavity 310, the valve stem 338 isprovided with a lower o-ring 368.

FIG. 4 depicts another example cascade system 400 that may be used todispense fluid from and recharge a bank of fluid storage containers 402a-d. The example cascade system 400 operates in a substantially similaror identical manner as the example cascade system 100 described above inconnection with FIGS. 1 and 2 and may be implemented using a pluralityof sequence valves that are substantially similar or identical to theexample sequence valve 300 of FIG. 3. However, in addition to deliveringfluid from the storage containers 402 a-d to a container 404, theexample cascade system 400 also enables recharging or refilling thefluid in the storage containers 402 a-d. The recharging capabilitysubstantially reduces the need to disengage or disconnect the storagecontainers 402 a-d from the example cascade system 400 when the storagecontainers 402 a-d are, for example, depleted and require replenishingor refilling. For instance, although the storage containers 402 a-d maybe disconnected for maintenance purposes, the containers 402 a-d neednot be removed for purposes of replenishing their fluid supply when theyare empty. Instead, the storage containers 402 a-d may be rechargedusing fluid delivered from a fluid supply (not shown) such as, forexample, a storage tanker (e.g., a mobile trailer tanker, an outdoorstationary tanker, etc.), a compressor, etc.

The example cascade system 400 includes a recharge circuit 406 having arecharge fluid line 408 that is communicatively coupled to each of thestorage containers 402 a-d via respective recharge check valves 410 a-d.A fluid supply is connected to the recharge circuit 406 via a rechargeinlet 412. Fluid supplied to the recharge inlet 412 recharges thestorage containers 402 a-d in a sequential manner starting with thecontainer having the lowest pressure. Specifically, the recharge fluidfollows a flow path connected to the one of the storage containers 402a-d having the least pressure and begins filling that container first.After the pressure of the first storage container increases to apressure level matching that of a storage container having the nextlowest pressure, the recharge fluid begins flowing to both of thestorage containers simultaneously. As the pressure levels in all of thestorage containers 402 a-d equalize, the recharge fluid fills all of thestorage containers 402 a-d simultaneously until all of the storagecontainers 402 a-d are filled to a desired level and/or pressure. Duringoperation, as the pressure levels in the storage containers 402 a-ddeplete at different rates, the recharge check valves 410 a-d preventfluid from higher-pressure storage containers from flowing intolower-pressure storage containers.

FIG. 5A depicts a front view, FIG. 5B depicts a top view, and FIG. 5Cdepicts an end view of another example cascade system 500 that may beused to dispense fluid from and recharge a bank of fluid storagecontainers 502 a-d using a manifold-integrated recharge circuit. Theexample cascade system 500 includes a manifold 504 which, as shown inFIGS. 8, 9, and 10C, has a fluid recharge circuit 505 formed therein toreduce the amount of fluid line required to implement the rechargecircuit. The example cascade system 500 operates in a substantiallysimilar or identical manner as the example cascade system 400 describedabove in connection with FIG. 4.

To receive a plurality of sequence valves 506 a-c (FIGS. 5A-5C and 6),the manifold 504 includes a plurality of openings 508 a-c (i.e., valvecavities) as shown in FIGS. 7-9. Each of the sequence valves 506 a-c issubstantially similar or identical to the example sequence valve 300 ofFIG. 3. The sequence valves 506 a-c have cartridge-like bodies orhousings configured to plug into, mesh with, or otherwise engage theopenings 508 a-c.

The manifold 504 includes a plurality of check valve openings 510 a-d(i.e., check valve cavities) (FIGS. 5A, 7-9, and 10C) that receive checkvalve cartridges 512 a-d (FIGS. 5B, 5C, 6 and 9), each of which includestwo check valves. In particular, as shown in FIG. 9, each of the checkvalve cartridges 512 a-d includes a respective fluid delivery checkvalve 514 a-d and a respective recharge check valve 516 a-d. The fluiddelivery check valves 514 a-d operate in substantially the same manneras the check valves 114 a-c of FIGS. 1 and 2. The recharge check valves516 a-d function in substantially the same manner as the recharge checkvalves 410 a-d of FIG. 4. Receiving or mounting the check valvecartridges 512 a-d directly in the manifold 504 reduces significantlythe amount of fluid line required to implement the example cascadesystem 500. The check valve cartridges 512 a-d are described in greaterdetail below in connection with FIG. 11.

Each of the storage containers 502 a-d is coupled to a respectivestorage container inlet/outlet port 520 a-d (FIGS. 5C, 7, and 8) formedin the manifold 504. The storage container inlet/outlet ports 520 a-d(i.e., the storage container ports 520 a-d) function as inlet ports whendelivering fluid from the storage containers 502 a-d to a container 518.However, during a recharge process the storage container ports 520 a-dfunction as outlet ports as described below to deliver recharge fluid tothe storage containers 502 a-d.

To sense the pressure in the storage containers 502 a-c, storagepressure inlet ports 517 a-c (FIGS. 5A-5C and 6) of the sequence valves506 a-c are coupled via respective fluid lines 519 a-c (FIGS. 5A-5C) torespective manifold outlet ports 521 a-c (FIGS. 5A-5C, 6, 7 and 9).Fluid from the storage containers 502 a-c flows into the manifold 504via the storage container inlet ports 520 a-c and out of the manifold504 via the manifold outlet ports 521 a-c. The fluid then flows throughthe fluid lines 519 a-c and into the storage pressure inlet ports 517a-c of the sequence valves 506 a-c to fill storage pressure sensingchambers (e.g., the storage pressure sensing chamber 329 of FIG. 3) ofthe sequence valves 506 a-c. In this manner, each of the sequence valves506 a-c can sense the pressure of a respective one of the storagecontainers 502 a-c.

To deliver fluid from the manifold 504 to the container 518, a fluiddelivery line 522 (FIG. 5A) is coupled to an outlet port 524 (FIGS. 5A,7, 8, 10A, and 10B) of the manifold 504. As shown in FIGS. 5A, 8, and10B, an outlet passageway 526 extends between the first valve opening508 a and the outlet port 524. The outlet passageway 526 enables flowpaths (e.g., the container fluid flow paths 120, 130, and 136 of FIG. 2)to deliver fluid from the storage containers 502 a-d to the container518.

To enable fluid delivery from the first storage container 502 a, thefirst storage container port 520 a (FIGS. 5C, 7, and 8) is fluidlycoupled to the first dual check valve cartridge 512 a as shown in FIG.8. In this manner, fluid from the first storage container 502 a can flowthrough the fluid delivery check valve 514 a, the outlet passageway 526,and the outlet port 524. To enable fluid delivery from the secondstorage container 502 b, the second storage container port 520 b (FIGS.5C, 7, and 8) is fluidly coupled to the second dual check valvecartridge 512 b as shown in FIG. 8. In this manner, fluid from thesecond storage container 502 b can flow through the fluid delivery checkvalve 514 b, a fluid passageway 528 extending between the check valveopening 510 b and the first sequence valve opening 508 a, the sequencevalve 506 a, the passageway 526, and the outlet port 524. In theillustrated example, fluid from the third and fourth storage containers502 c-d is delivered in a similar manner through respective fluiddelivery check valves 514 c-d, passageways, and the sequence valves 506a-c.

To sense the pressure in the container 518, a filling container pressureline 530 (FIG. 5A) is coupled to a filling pressure inlet port 532(FIGS. 5A, 6-8, 10A, and 10E). As shown in FIGS. 5A, 8, and 10E, afilling pressure passageway 534 extends between each of the sequencevalve openings 508 a-c and the filling pressure inlet port 532 to enableeach of the sequence valves 506 a-c (FIGS. 5A-5C and 6) to sense thepressure in the container 518 (FIG. 5A).

To replenish the fluid in the storage containers 502 a-b, a rechargeline 536 (FIG. 5A) is coupled to a recharge inlet port 538 (FIGS. 7-9,10A, and 10C) of the manifold 504. As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10C, arecharge passageway 540 extends between each of the check valve openings510 a-d and the recharge inlet port 538. During a recharge process,recharge fluid flows through the recharge inlet port 538, and throughone of the recharge check valves 516 a-d (FIG. 9) corresponding to thestorage container having the lowest pressure. For example, if the firststorage container 502 a has the lowest pressure and the second storagecontainer 502 b has the second lowest pressure, the recharge fluid firstflows through the first recharge check valve 516 a (FIG. 9) and throughthe first storage container port 520 a (FIGS. 5C, 7, and 8) to fill thefirst storage container 502 a. When the first storage container 502 areaches a pressure that is substantially equal to that of the secondstorage container 502 b, the recharge fluid flows simultaneously throughthe first and second recharge check valves 516 a and 516 b and the firstand second storage container ports 520 a and 520 b to simultaneouslyfill the first and second storage containers 502 b. The recharge processcontinues in a similar fashion to replenish the fluid in all of thestorage containers 502 a-d.

The check valve cartridges 512 a-d enable simultaneously filling of thecontainer 518 and recharging of the storage containers 502 a-b. Forinstance, while recharge fluid flows through the first recharge checkvalve 516 a (FIG. 9) to fill the storage container 502 a, fluid maysimultaneously flow through the first fluid delivery check valve 514 ato fill the container 518.

The manifold 504 is configured to enable fluidly connecting the fluiddelivery line 522 (FIG. 5A), the filling container pressure line 530(FIG. 5A), and the recharge line 536 (FIG. 5A) at either end of themanifold 504. For example, in an alternative example implementation, thefluid delivery line 522, the filling container pressure line 530, andthe recharge line 536 may be fluidly coupled to ports 542, 544, and 546(FIG. 7), respectively, and the fluid lines 519 c (FIG. 5B) may befluidly coupled to the manifold outlet port 521 d, the fluid line 519 b(FIG. 5B) may be fluidly coupled to the manifold outlet port 521 c, andthe fluid line 519 a (FIG. 5B) may be fluidly coupled to the manifoldoutlet port 521 b. In this manner, the manifold 504 may be used todeliver fluid via the end having the ports 542, 544 and 546 (FIG. 7). Inany implementation, any ports not fluidly coupled to something (e.g.,not fluidly coupled to fluid line, a valve, etc.) should be terminatedor plugged to prevent fluid from leaking out of the manifold 504 duringoperation.

Although not shown, pressure sensor device outlets or openings may alsobe formed in the manifold 504 to enable monitoring of the pressure ineach of the storage containers 502 a-d using gauges, analog sensors,and/or digital sensors. The pressure sensor device outlets may beconfigured to connect to pressure sensor devices or gauges via fluidlines or to receive directly the pressure sensor devices or gaugeswithout any intermediate fluid lines.

FIG. 11 is a detailed illustration of an example dual check valvecartridge 600 that may be used to implement the example dual check valvecartridges 512 a-d of FIGS. 5B, 5C, 6, and 9. The example check valvecartridge 600 includes a first check valve 602 and a second check valve604 that may operate independently. For instance, the first check valve602 may be used to implement the fluid delivery check valves 514 a-d ofFIG. 9 to enable fluid to flow from the storage containers 502 a-d tothe container 518. The second check valve 604, on the other hand, may beused to implement the recharge check valves 516 a-d of FIG. 9 andenables recharge fluid to flow from the recharge passageway 540 to thestorage containers 502 a-d during a recharge process.

In the illustrated example, the example dual check valve cartridge 600includes a housing 606 having a first check valve housing portion 608that includes the first check valve 602, a second check valve housingportion 610 that includes the second check valve 604, and a fasteninghousing portion 612 having a threaded surface 614 that enables fasteningof the example dual check valve cartridge 600 to a cavity or openingsuch as, for example, the check valve openings 510 a-d of FIGS. 5A, 7,8, and 10C.

The check valves 602 and 604 are arranged in an end-to-end configurationand are in axial alignment with one another along the length of thecheck valve cartridge 600. In particular, the first check valve housingportion 608 includes an external threaded end portion 616 thatthreadedly engages an internal threaded end portion 618 of the secondcheck valve housing portion 610 to bring the check valves 602 and 604into substantial axial alignment with one another. The second checkvalve housing portion 610 has an external threaded end portion 620 thatthreadedly engages an internal threaded end portion 622 of the fasteninghousing portion 612.

Although certain apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture havebeen described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. To the contrary, this patent covers all apparatus,methods, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe appended claims either literally or under the doctrine ofequivalents.

1. A valve comprising: a bonnet having a bonnet cavity defining a bonnetinner surface, a bonnet outer surface, and a first pressure sensingpassageway extending between the bonnet outer surface and the bonnetcavity; a base coaxially coupled to the bonnet and having a base outersurface, a base cavity defining a base inner surface, a fluid inletpassageway extending between the base outer surface and the base cavity,a fluid outlet passageway extending between the base outer surface andthe base cavity, and a second pressure sensing passageway extendingbetween the base outer surface and the base cavity; and a valve elementwithin the base and bonnet cavities to control a fluid flow path throughthe fluid inlet passageway and the fluid outlet passageway.
 2. The valveas defined in claim 1, wherein the valve element controls the fluid flowpath based on a first fluid pressure provided via the first pressuresensing passageway and a second fluid pressure provided via the secondpressure sensing passageway.
 3. The valve as defined in claim 1, whereinthe valve element is a valve stem having a passageway formedtherethrough to enable fluid to flow from the second pressure sensingpassageway to the bonnet cavity.
 4. The valve as defined in claim 1,wherein the valve element is a spring having a pressure bias to generatea first force to oppose a second force generated by a first fluidpressure associated with the first pressure sensing passageway.
 5. Thevalve as defined in claim 4, further comprising a piston slideablyengaged to the bonnet cavity, wherein the second force acts against afirst end surface of the piston, and wherein a second fluid pressureassociated with the second pressure sensing passageway generates a thirdforce to act against a second end surface of the piston opposing thefirst end surface.
 6. The valve as defined in claim 5, wherein the valveelement opens the fluid flow path when the sum of the first and thirdforces exceeds the second force.